Our Commitment to Preventing and Addressing Sexual Assault and Misconduct

Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,

I am writing to reaffirm Georgetown’s commitment to preventing and addressing sexual assault and misconduct and to ensuring that members of our community know where to turn for support.

The effort to eradicate sexual misconduct from our campuses requires our most serious and ongoing attention. Over many years, Georgetown has continued to strengthen its efforts to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct. This work includes education and prevention programs and required bystander intervention training; resources and support for those impacted by sexual misconduct; and processes for responding promptly and equitably to reports.

At the heart of these efforts is a tenet of our Jesuit, Catholic mission: our responsibility to recognize and uphold the dignity of every person. Each of us has a role to play in fostering a community of care and respect. It is important that all members of our community understand our resources and show care and respect for one another. 

Reporting Sexual Misconduct and Seeking Support

Georgetown takes all reports of sexual misconduct seriously. We encourage members of our community who become aware of sexual misconduct to report it to the University. All University employees, except those designated as confidential resources, have a duty to report incidents of sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking).

It is also important that members of our community know where they can turn for help. Georgetown’s Sexual Misconduct Resource Center provides information about how to report sexual misconduct; confidential and non-confidential resources on and off campus; counseling and other forms of support; medical care and safety resources; and guidance for those supporting a friend or another member of our community.

I encourage all members of our community to familiarize themselves with these resources at sexualmisconduct.georgetown.edu. Confidential counseling and support are available through Health Education Services and Counseling and Psychiatric Services for students, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program and Journey for faculty and staff, and Confidential Resource Advisors (CRAs) for all students, faculty, and staff.

Specialized Support Through GUPD

The Georgetown University Police Department also maintains a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) composed of specially trained officers who work with university partners to respond to survivors with professionalism, compassion and empathy. SART officers can help connect individuals with on- and off-campus resources, explain available options and provide support throughout the process.

Our Responsibility

Creating a community free from sexual misconduct requires sustained attention from all of us. Education, prevention, bystander intervention, accessible support, and equitable and responsive processes are all essential parts of that work. So, too, is the responsibility each of us bears for the well-being of the people around us.

I encourage every member of the Georgetown community to take a few minutes to visit sexualmisconduct.georgetown.edu and become familiar with the resources available.

Thank you for the many ways you contribute to the well-being of our Georgetown community.

Respectfully,

Eduardo M. Peñalver
President